MARTINSVILLE, Va. (WDBJ) - A Martinsville City Council member has filed a lawsuit against two city officials.

Aaron Rawls made the filing in federal court this week. He alleges City Manager Aretha Ferrell-Benvides and Deputy Sheriff Reva Keen violated his civil rights during a March 25 City Council meeting.

Rawls’ filing argues he was unlawfully removed from the meeting by the Deputy Sheriff after criticizing the need to raise the City Manager’s pay.

The lawsuit argues the City Manager was directing the Deputy Sheriff to remove Rawls. He argues it is a violation of the first, fourth and 14th amendment.

See Full Page